FUELCELL ENERGY INC - Quarter Report: 2014 January (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q |
ý | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended January 31, 2014
OR
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 1-14204
FUELCELL ENERGY, INC. | ||||
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) |
Delaware | 06-0853042 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
3 Great Pasture Road Danbury, Connecticut | 06813 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) 825-6000 |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ¨ | Accelerated filer | ý |
Non-accelerated filer | ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company | ¨ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No ý
Number of shares of common stock, par value $.0001 per share, outstanding at March 6, 2014: 253,924,151
FUELCELL ENERGY, INC. FORM 10-Q Table of Contents | ||
Page | ||
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||
Item 1. | ||
Item 2. | ||
Item 3. | ||
Item 4. | ||
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION | ||
Item 1 | ||
Item 1A | ||
Item 6. |
2
FUELCELL ENERGY, INC. Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | |||||||
January 31, 2014 | October 31, 2013 | ||||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Current assets: | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents - unrestricted | $ | 78,468 | $ | 67,696 | |||
Restricted cash and cash equivalents - short-term | 6,194 | 5,053 | |||||
Accounts receivable, net | 33,831 | 49,116 | |||||
Inventories | 51,852 | 56,185 | |||||
Other current assets | 6,871 | 11,279 | |||||
Total current assets | 177,216 | 189,329 | |||||
Restricted cash and cash equivalents - long-term | 19,950 | 4,950 | |||||
Property, plant and equipment, net | 23,947 | 24,225 | |||||
Goodwill | 4,075 | 4,075 | |||||
Intangible assets | 9,592 | 9,592 | |||||
Other assets, net | 5,944 | 5,465 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 240,724 | $ | 237,636 | |||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT) | |||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||
Current portion of long-term debt | $ | 6,914 | $ | 6,931 | |||
Accounts payable | 18,397 | 24,535 | |||||
Accrued liabilities | 10,599 | 21,912 | |||||
Deferred revenue | 47,630 | 51,857 | |||||
Preferred stock obligation of subsidiary | 962 | 1,028 | |||||
Total current liabilities | 84,502 | 106,263 | |||||
Long-term deferred revenue | 20,248 | 18,763 | |||||
Long-term preferred stock obligation of subsidiary | 12,610 | 13,270 | |||||
Long-term debt and other liabilities | 37,173 | 52,675 | |||||
Total liabilities | 154,533 | 190,971 | |||||
Redeemable preferred stock (liquidation preference of $64,020 at January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013) | 59,857 | 59,857 | |||||
Total equity (deficit): | |||||||
Shareholders’ equity (deficit): | |||||||
Common stock ($.0001 par value); 275,000,000 shares authorized; 236,457,199 and 196,310,402 shares issued and outstanding at January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively. | 24 | 20 | |||||
Additional paid-in capital | 809,013 | 758,656 | |||||
Accumulated deficit | (781,793 | ) | (771,189 | ) | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 81 | 101 | |||||
Treasury stock, Common, at cost (5,679 shares at January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013) | (53 | ) | (53 | ) | |||
Deferred compensation | 53 | 53 | |||||
Total shareholders’ equity (deficit) | 27,325 | (12,412 | ) | ||||
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries | (991 | ) | (780 | ) | |||
Total equity (deficit) | 26,334 | (13,192 | ) | ||||
Total liabilities and equity (deficit) | $ | 240,724 | $ | 237,636 |
3
FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Three Months Ended January 31, | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Revenues (1): | |||||||
Product sales | $ | 34,460 | $ | 29,065 | |||
Service agreements and license revenues | 4,960 | 4,969 | |||||
Advanced technologies contract revenues | 5,014 | 2,324 | |||||
Total revenues | 44,434 | 36,358 | |||||
Costs of revenues: | |||||||
Cost of product sales | 33,028 | 29,944 | |||||
Cost of service agreements and license revenues | 4,157 | 6,485 | |||||
Cost of advanced technologies contract revenues | 5,050 | 2,240 | |||||
Total costs of revenues | 42,235 | 38,669 | |||||
Gross profit (loss) | 2,199 | (2,311 | ) | ||||
Operating expenses: | |||||||
Administrative and selling expenses | 4,854 | 5,432 | |||||
Research and development expenses | 4,915 | 3,327 | |||||
Total costs and expenses | 9,769 | 8,759 | |||||
Loss from operations | (7,570 | ) | (11,070 | ) | |||
Interest expense | (1,361 | ) | (566 | ) | |||
Income from equity investment | — | 46 | |||||
Other income (expense), net | (1,774 | ) | (282 | ) | |||
Loss before benefit for income taxes | (10,705 | ) | (11,872 | ) | |||
Provision for income taxes | (110 | ) | (7 | ) | |||
Net loss | (10,815 | ) | (11,879 | ) | |||
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest | 211 | 198 | |||||
Net loss attributable to FuelCell Energy, Inc. | (10,604 | ) | (11,681 | ) | |||
Preferred stock dividends | (800 | ) | (800 | ) | |||
Net loss attributable to common shareholders | $ | (11,404 | ) | $ | (12,481 | ) | |
Loss per share basic and diluted: | |||||||
Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (0.07 | ) | |
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 200,637,819 | 187,553,306 |
Three Months Ended January 31, | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Net loss | $ | (10,815 | ) | $ | (11,879 | ) | |
Other comprehensive income (loss): | |||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments | (20 | ) | 76 | ||||
Comprehensive loss | $ | (10,835 | ) | $ | (11,803 | ) |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
(1) | Includes revenue from a related party. Refer to Related Parties in Note 1 to the financial statements. |
4
FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands)
Three Months Ended January 31, | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||
Net loss | $ | (10,815 | ) | $ | (11,879 | ) | |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: | |||||||
Share-based compensation | 621 | 509 | |||||
Income from equity investment | — | (46 | ) | ||||
Gain (loss) from change in fair value of embedded derivatives | (225 | ) | 3 | ||||
Make whole derivative expense | 2,422 | — | |||||
Depreciation | 1,068 | 1,012 | |||||
Interest expense on preferred stock obligation | 492 | 511 | |||||
Other non-cash transactions, net | (696 | ) | 207 | ||||
Decrease (increase) in operating assets: | |||||||
Accounts receivable and license fee receivable | 15,227 | 17,020 | |||||
Inventories | 4,333 | 3,236 | |||||
Other assets | 2,530 | (739 | ) | ||||
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities: | |||||||
Accounts payable | (6,138 | ) | (5,345 | ) | |||
Accrued liabilities | (11,151 | ) | (1,026 | ) | |||
Deferred revenue | (2,742 | ) | 27,434 | ||||
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | (5,074 | ) | 30,897 | ||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||
Capital expenditures | (790 | ) | (1,397 | ) | |||
Cash acquired from acquisition | — | 357 | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (790 | ) | (1,040 | ) | |||
Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||
Repayment of debt | (95 | ) | (63 | ) | |||
Proceeds from debt | 250 | — | |||||
Increase in restricted cash and cash equivalents | (16,141 | ) | (5,000 | ) | |||
Payment of preferred dividends and return of capital | (1,113 | ) | (1,113 | ) | |||
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of registration fees | 33,755 | — | |||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 16,656 | (6,176 | ) | ||||
Effects on cash from changes in foreign currency rates | (20 | ) | 76 | ||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 10,772 | 23,757 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period | 67,696 | 46,879 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period | $ | 78,468 | $ | 70,636 | |||
Supplemental cash flow disclosures: | |||||||
Cash interest paid | $ | 1,535 | $ | 55 | |||
Noncash financing and investing activity: | |||||||
Common stock issued for Employee Stock Purchase Plan in settlement of prior year accrued employee contributions | $ | 106 | $ | 85 | |||
Common stock issued for convertible note conversions and make-whole settlements | $ | 17,200 | $ | — | |||
Common stock issued for acquisition | $ | — | $ | 3,562 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
5
FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Note 1. Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation
FuelCell Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”, “FuelCell Energy”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is a leading integrated fuel cell company with a growing global presence. We design, manufacture, install, operate and service ultra-clean, efficient and reliable stationary fuel cell power plants. Our Direct FuelCell power plants produce reliable 24/7 base load electricity and usable high quality heat for commercial, industrial, government and utility customers. We have commercialized our stationary carbonate fuel cells and are also pursuing the complementary development of planar solid oxide fuel cell and other fuel cell technologies. We continue to invest in new product and market development and we are not currently generating net income from our operations. Our operations are funded primarily through cash generated from product sales, service and advanced technologies contracts, license fee income and sales of equity and debt securities. In order to continually produce positive cash flow from operations, we need to be successful at increasing annual order volume, production and cost reduction efforts.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regarding interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not contain all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present our financial position as of January 31, 2014 have been included. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. The balance sheet as of October 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but it does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended October 31, 2013, which are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the full fiscal year.
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, revenue recognition, excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventories, product warranty costs, reserves on service agreements ("SA"), allowance for uncollectible receivables, depreciation and amortization, impairment of intangible and long-lived assets, income taxes, purchase accounting, and contingencies. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are determined to be necessary. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results in future periods may differ from those estimates.
Related Parties
POSCO Energy (“POSCO”), which is a related party, owns approximately 13 percent of the outstanding common shares of the Company as of January 31, 2014. Revenues from POSCO Energy for the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013 represent 73% and 69%, respectively, of consolidated revenues.
Note 2. Inventories
The components of inventory at January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013 consisted of the following:
January 31, 2014 | October 31, 2013 | ||||||
Raw materials | $ | 19,563 | $ | 20,599 | |||
Work-in-process (1) | 32,289 | 35,586 | |||||
Inventories | $ | 51,852 | $ | 56,185 |
6
FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(1) | Work-in-process includes the standard components of inventory used to build the typical modules or stack components that are intended to be used in future power plant orders or to service SA's. Included in work-in-process as of January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013 is $6.5 million and $5.8 million, respectively, of completed standard components. |
Raw materials consist mainly of various nickel powders and steels, various other components used in producing cell stacks and purchased components for balance of plant. Work-in-process inventory is comprised of material, labor, and overhead costs incurred to build fuel cell stacks, which are subcomponents of a power plant. Work in process also includes costs related to modules which have not yet been dedicated to a particular commercial customer contract.
Raw materials and work-in-process are net of valuation reserves of approximately $1.2 million and $1.4 million at January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively.
Note 3. Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable at January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013 consisted of the following:
January 31, 2014 | October 31, 2013 | ||||||
Advanced Technology (including U.S. Government(1)): | |||||||
Amount billed | $ | 1,962 | $ | 786 | |||
Unbilled recoverable costs | 1,355 | 639 | |||||
3,317 | 1,425 | ||||||
Commercial Customers: | |||||||
Amount billed | 15,286 | 17,344 | |||||
Unbilled recoverable costs | 15,228 | 30,347 | |||||
30,514 | 47,691 | ||||||
Accounts receivable, net | $ | 33,831 | $ | 49,116 |
(1) | Total U.S. Government accounts receivable outstanding at January 31, 2014 is $1.4 million . |
We bill customers for power plant and module kit sales based on certain milestones being reached. We bill SA's based on the contract price and billing terms of the contracts. The majority of advanced technology contracts are with the U.S. Government. We bill the U.S. Government based on actual recoverable costs incurred, typically in the month subsequent to incurring costs. The remainder of advanced technology contracts are billed based on milestones or costs incurred. Unbilled recoverable costs relate to revenue recognized on customer contracts that have not been billed. Unbilled amounts at January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013 included $0.3 million and $17.8 million due from Dominion under the Bridgeport fuel cell park project and $8.6 million and $6.7 million due from POSCO Energy. Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.07 million and $0.01 million at January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively.
Commercial Customers accounts receivable (including Unbilled recoverable costs) include amounts due from POSCO Energy of $20.3 million and $17.4 million at January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively.
Note 4. Other Current Assets
Other current assets at January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013 consisted of the following:
January 31, 2014 | October 31, 2013 | |||||||
Advance payments to vendors (1) | $ | 1,808 | $ | 4,235 | ||||
Debt issuance costs (2) | 299 | 494 | ||||||
Notes receivable (3) | 575 | 478 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other (4) | 4,189 | 6,072 | ||||||
Other current assets | $ | 6,871 | $ | 11,279 |
7
FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(1) | Advance payments to vendors relate to inventory purchases. |
(2) | Represents the current portion of capitalized debt issuance costs relating to the convertible debt issuance which will be amortized over the five year term of the convertible notes. |
(3) | Current portion of long-term notes receivable. |
(4) | Primarily relates to other prepaid vendor expenses including insurance, rent and lease payments. |
Note 5 Other Assets, net
Other assets, net at January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013 consisted of the following:
January 31, 2014 | October 31, 2013 | ||||||
Long-term stack residual value (1) | $ | 4,136 | $ | 2,898 | |||
Debt issuance costs (2) | 1,024 | 1,721 | |||||
Other (3) | 784 | 846 | |||||
Other assets, net | $ | 5,944 | $ | 5,465 |
(1) | In circumstances where the useful life of the module extends beyond the contractual term of the SA and the Company retains title for the module from the customer upon expiration or non-renewal of the SA, the cost of the module exchanges is recorded as a long term asset and is depreciated over its expected life. If the Company does not obtain rights to title from the customer, the cost of the module is expensed at the time of the module exchange. Accumulated depreciation was $2.4 million and $2.1 million for the periods ended January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively. |
(2) Represents the long-term portion of capitalized debt issuance costs relating to the convertible debt issuance which will be amortized over the five year term of the convertible notes.
(3) Includes security deposits and notes receivable.
Note 6. Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities at January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013 consisted of the following:
January 31, 2014 | October 31, 2013 | ||||||
Accrued payroll and employee benefits (1) | $ | 3,266 | $ | 4,647 | |||
Accrued contract and operating costs (2) | 34 | 87 | |||||
Reserve for product warranty cost (3) | 1,043 | 860 | |||||
Reserve for service agreement costs (4) | 3,048 | 4,186 | |||||
Reserve for repair and upgrade program and modules due POSCO Energy (5) | 389 | 7,267 | |||||
Accrued taxes, legal, professional and other (6) | 2,819 | 4,865 | |||||
Accrued Liabilities | $ | 10,599 | $ | 21,912 |
(1) | Balance relates to amounts owed to employees for compensation and benefits as of the end of the period. The decrease in the period reflects payments of employee bonuses offset by other activity, net. |
(2) | Balance includes estimated losses accrued on product sales contracts. |
(3) | Activity in the reserve for product warranty costs for the three months ended January 31, 2014 included additions for estimates of potential future warranty obligations of $1.2 million on contracts in the warranty period and reserve reductions related to actual warranty spend of $1.0 million as contracts progress through the warranty period or are beyond the warranty period. |
(4) | As of January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, the loss reserve on SA's totaled $2.2 million and $3.7 million, respectively. Also included in this line item is a reserve for performance guarantees penalties under the terms of our customer contracts, which based on our ongoing analysis of historical fleet performance, totaled $0.9 million and $0.5 million as of January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively. |
(5) | The decrease in the reserve as of January 31, 2014 compared to October 31, 2013 is a result of three replacement modules having been provided to POSCO Energy under the terms of the Master Service Agreement with POSCO Energy. |
(6) | Balance includes accrued sales, use and payroll taxes as well as estimated legal, professional and other expense estimates as of the end of the period. |
8
FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Note 7. Debt and Leases
At January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, debt consisted of the following:
January 31, 2014 | October 31, 2013 | |||||||
Revolving credit facility | $ | 6,500 | $ | 6,500 | ||||
Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes | 23,000 | 38,000 | ||||||
Connecticut Development Authority Note | 3,190 | 3,246 | ||||||
Connecticut Clean Energy and Finance Investment Authority Note | 6,061 | 5,744 | ||||||
Capitalized lease obligations | 451 | 497 | ||||||
Total debt | $ | 39,202 | $ | 53,987 | ||||
Less: Unamortized debt discount (1) | (1,767 | ) | (3,106 | ) | ||||
37,435 | 50,881 | |||||||
Less: Current portion of long-term debt | (6,914 | ) | (6,931 | ) | ||||
Long-term debt | $ | 30,521 | $ | 43,950 |
(1) The debt discount recorded in connection with the issuance of the Company’s unsecured convertible notes is recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as a reduction to associated debt balance. The Company amortizes the debt discount to interest expense over the term of the debt.
Aggregate annual principal payments under our loan agreements and capital lease obligations, excluding payments relating to the revolving credit facility, for the years subsequent to January 31, 2014 are as follows:
Year 1 | $ | 414 | |
Year 2 | 386 | ||
Year 3 | 282 | ||
Year 4 | 260 | ||
Year 5 | 25,299 | ||
Thereafter | 6,061 | ||
$ | 32,702 | ||
On June 25, 2013, the Company sold $38.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.0% Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes ("Notes"). Under the terms of the Notes, interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on December 15 and June 15 of each year. The Company made its first interest payment on December 15, 2013. The Notes will mature on June 15, 2018, unless earlier redeemed, repurchased or converted. The Notes are convertible into shares of the Company's common stock at a conversion rate of 645.1613 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of convertible notes, equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $1.55 per share of common stock plus a "make-whole" payment in regard to interest. During the first quarter of 2014, $15.0 million of outstanding principal was converted by Note holders and the Company issued 9,677,425 shares of common stock. In connection with the conversion of the Notes, the Company recorded an increase in common stock and additional paid in capital based on the carrying value of the converted Notes which included the converted Notes principal, a proportional amount of unamortized debt discount, and a proportional amount of unamortized debt issuance costs.
The change of control put redemption and interest make-whole payment upon conversion features embedded in the Notes require bifurcation from the host debt contract. The aggregate fair value of these derivatives at January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013 is $2.7 million and $4.7 million, respectively. As a result of the Note conversions, 2,344,080 shares were issued and a payment of $0.3 million was made to settle the make-whole payment. The total fair value of the shares issued for the make-whole payment was $4.2 million which resulted in a charge of $2.4 million and a reduction to the embedded derivative of $1.8 million. The derivatives are included in Long term debt and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and the make-whole charge is included in Other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of operations.
As of January 31, 2014, the Company has an $8.0 million revolving credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and the Export-Import Bank of the United States. The credit facility is used for working capital to finance the manufacture and production and subsequent export sale of the Company’s products or services. The agreement has a one year term with renewal provisions and the current expiration date is April 2, 2014. The outstanding principal balance of the facility will bear interest, at the option
9
FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
of the Company of either the one-month LIBOR plus 1.5 percent or the prime rate of JP Morgan Chase. The facility is secured by certain working capital assets and general intangibles, up to the amount of the outstanding facility balance. At January 31, 2014, and October 31, 2013 the outstanding amount owed under this facility was $6.5 million and is classified as current portion of long-term debt and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
The outstanding balance on the Connecticut Development Authority loan was $3.2 million as of January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013.
On March 5, 2013 the Company closed on a new long-term loan agreement with the Connecticut Clean Energy and Finance Investment Authority (CEFIA) totaling $5.9 million in support of the Bridgeport fuel cell park project. The loan agreement carries an interest rate of 5.0%. Interest only payments commenced in January 2014 and principal payments will commence on the eighth anniversary of the project's provisional acceptance date, which is December 20, 2021, payable in forty eight equal monthly installments. Outstanding amounts are secured by future cash flows from the Bridgeport service agreement. The outstanding balance on the CEFIA Note as of January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013 was $6.1 million and $5.7 million, respectively.
Note 8. Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Changes in shareholders’ equity (deficit)
Changes in shareholders’ equity (deficit) were as follows for the three months ended January 31, 2014:
Total Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit) | Noncontrolling interest | Total Equity (Deficit) | |||||||||
Balance at October 31, 2013 | $ | (12,412 | ) | $ | (780 | ) | $ | (13,192 | ) | ||
Common stock issued for convertible note conversions | 12,960 | — | 12,960 | ||||||||
Common stock issued to settle make-whole obligation | 4,240 | — | 4,240 | ||||||||
Share-based compensation | 621 | — | 621 | ||||||||
Sale of common stock, net of registration fees | 33,246 | — | 33,246 | ||||||||
Taxes paid upon vesting of restricted stock awards, net of stock issued under benefit plans | 94 | — | 94 | ||||||||
Preferred dividends – Series B | (800 | ) | — | (800 | ) | ||||||
Other comprehensive loss - foreign currency translation adjustments | (20 | ) | — | (20 | ) | ||||||
Net loss | (10,604 | ) | (211 | ) | (10,815 | ) | |||||
Balance at January 31, 2014 | $ | 27,325 | $ | (991 | ) | $ | 26,334 |
Common Stock Issuances
During the first quarter of 2014, certain investors elected to convert a total of $15.0 million principal of $38.0 million in aggregate principal of the 8.0% Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes. Under the terms of the Notes, they are convertible into shares of the Company's common stock at a conversion rate of 645.1613 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of convertible notes, equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $1.55 per share of common stock plus a "make-whole" payment in regard to interest. As a result of these conversions, the Company issued 9,677,425 shares of common stock related to the conversions, 2,344,080 shares to settle the make-whole obligation and 26,674 shares for accrued interest
On January 23, 2014, the Company completed a public offering of 25.3 million shares of common stock, including 3.3 million shares sold pursuant to the full exercise of an over-allotment option granted to the underwriters. All shares were offered by the Company at a price of $1.25 per share. Total net proceeds to the Company were approximately $29.5 million.
The Company may sell common stock on the open market from time to time. The proceeds of these sales may be used to pay obligations related to the Company's outstanding Series I and Series B preferred shares and the 8.0% Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes or for general corporate purposes. During the first quarter of 2014, the Company sold 2,704,200 shares, respectively of the Company's common stock at prevailing market prices through periodic trades on the open market and raised approximately $3.7 million, net of fees.
10
FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Warrant Issuance
On September 4, 2013, the Company entered into a co-marketing agreement with NRG Energy ("NRG") for the marketing and sales of the Company's power plants. The terms of the agreement included the issuance of warrants to NRG that permit NRG to purchase up to 5.0 million shares of the Company's common stock at predetermined prices based on attaining minimum sales goals. There are three tranches of warrants with varying strike prices, varying minimum levels of qualifying orders, and different vesting and expiration dates. The weighted average strike price for all 5.0 million warrants is $2.18. The qualifying order vesting dates range from March 2014 through September 2015 and the expiration dates range from February 2017 through August 2018. Any costs associated with the warrants will be recorded as a reduction of potential future revenue recorded under the arrangement. No warrants were vested and no expense was recorded as of January 31, 2014.
Note 9. Loss Per Share
The calculation of basic and diluted loss per share was as follows:
Three Months Ended January 31, | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Numerator | ||||||||
Net loss | $ | (10,815 | ) | $ | (11,879 | ) | ||
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest | 211 | 198 | ||||||
Preferred stock dividend | (800 | ) | (800 | ) | ||||
Net loss attributable to common shareholders | $ | (11,404 | ) | $ | (12,481 | ) | ||
Denominator | ||||||||
Weighted average basic common shares | 200,637,819 | 187,553,306 | ||||||
Effect of dilutive securities (1) | — | — | ||||||
Weighted average diluted common shares | 200,637,819 | 187,553,306 | ||||||
Basic loss per share | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (0.07 | ) | ||
Diluted loss per share (1) | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (0.07 | ) |
(1) | Diluted loss per share was computed without consideration to potentially dilutive instruments as their inclusion would have been antidilutive. Potentially dilutive instruments include stock options, convertible preferred stock, senior unsecured convertible notes and warrants. At January 31, 2014 and 2013, there were options to purchase 3.1 million shares of common stock. On September 4, 2013, the Company entered into a co-marketing agreement with NRG for the marketing and sales of the Company's power plants which include the issuance of warrants to purchase up to 5.0 million shares of the Company's common stock. |
Note 10. Restricted Cash
As of January 31, 2014 $26.1 million of cash and cash equivalents was pledged as collateral for letters of credit for certain banking requirements and contractual commitments, compared to $10.0 million of cash and cash equivalents pledged as of October 31, 2013. The increase in the restricted cash balance is related to the terms of the Bridgeport Equipment and Installation contract with Dominion for the provisional acceptance payment which was made to the Company during the first quarter of fiscal 2014 totaling $15.0 million which has been placed in a Grantor's Trust account to secure certain FCE obligations under the 15-year SA and has been classified as Restricted cash and cash equivalents - long-term. As of January 31, 2014, outstanding letters of credit totaled $8.5 million compared to $7.7 million at October 31, 2013. These expire on various dates through April 2019.
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Note 11. Subsequent Events
During the second quarter of 2014, certain investors elected to convert a total of $22.0 million principal of the $38.0 million in aggregate principal of the 8.0% Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes. Under the terms of the Notes they are convertible into shares of the Company's common stock at a conversion rate of 645.1613 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of convertible notes, equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $1.55 per share of common stock plus a "make-whole" payment equal to the lesser of three years of interest payments or interest payments from the date of conversion through maturity of the convertible notes. As a result of these conversions, the Company retired $22.0 million of outstanding principal and issued 17.5 million shares of common stock. The remaining principal balance of the 8.0% Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes is $1.0 million.
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (including exhibits and any information incorporated by reference herein) contains both historical and forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The statements contained in this report that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions and strategies for the future. These statements appear in a number of places in this Report and include all statements that are not historical statements of fact regarding our intent, belief or current expectations with respect to, among other things: (i) our ability to achieve our sales plans and cost reduction targets; (ii) trends affecting our financial condition or results of operations; (iii) our growth and operating strategy; (iv) our product development strategy; (v) our financing plans; (vi) the timing and magnitude of future contracts; (vii) changes in the regulatory environment; (viii) potential volatility of energy prices; and (ix) rapid technological change or competition. The words “may,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “plans” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risk and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors discussed herein, including those discussed in detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013 in the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is provided as a supplement to the accompanying financial statements and footnotes to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in our financial condition and results of operations. The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, revenue recognition, excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventories, product warranty costs, reserves on service agreements ("SA"), allowance for uncollectible receivables, depreciation and amortization, impairment of intangible and long-lived assets, income taxes, and contingencies. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are determined to be necessary. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results in future periods may differ from those estimates. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with information included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2013 filed with the SEC. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “Company”, “FuelCell Energy”, “we”, “us”, and “our” refer to FuelCell Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries. All tabular dollar amounts are in thousands.
OVERVIEW AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Overview
We are a leading integrated fuel cell company with a growing global presence. We design, manufacture, install, operate and service ultra-clean, efficient and reliable stationary fuel cell power plants. Our power plants offer scalable on-site power and utility grid support, helping customers solve their energy, environmental and business challenges.
Global urban populations are expanding, becoming more industrialized and requiring greater amounts of power to sustain their growth. As policymakers and power producers struggle to find economical and readily available solutions that will alleviate the impact of harmful pollutants and emissions while improving the resiliency of the electric grid, the market for ultra-clean, efficient and reliable distributed generation is rapidly growing.
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We are well positioned for continued growth with a global footprint for manufacturing, further market development with strong partners, a growing installed base that demonstrates the value proposition of ultra-clean distributed generation, and valuable intellectual property and knowledge gained from decades of experience in the industry. Our plants are operating in more than 50 locations worldwide and have generated more than two billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity, which is equivalent to powering more than 200,000 average size U.S. homes for one year. Our installed base and backlog exceeds 300 megawatts (MW).
Our diverse and growing customer base includes major utility companies, municipalities, universities, government entities and businesses in a variety of commercial and industrial enterprises. Our leading geographic markets are South Korea and the United States and we are actively pursuing expanding opportunities globally.
We service the power plants for virtually every customer we have globally under service agreements. We monitor and operate the power plants around the clock from our technical assistance center located at our Danbury, Connecticut headquarters. We have an extensive service network of FuelCell Energy technicians who provide on-site service and maintenance.
Recent Developments
Convertible Note Conversions
During the second quarter of 2014, certain investors elected to convert a total of $22.0 million principal of the $38.0 million in aggregate principal of the 8.0% Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes. Under the terms of the Notes they are convertible into shares of the Company's common stock at a conversion rate of 645.1613 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of convertible notes, equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $1.55 per share of common stock plus a "make-whole" payment equal to the lesser of three years of interest payments or interest payments from the date of conversion through maturity of the convertible notes. As a result of these conversions, the Company retired $22.0 million of outstanding principal and issued 17.5 million shares of common stock. The remaining principal balance of the 8.0% Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes is $1.0 million.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management evaluates the results of operations and cash flows using a variety of key performance indicators including revenues compared to prior periods and internal forecasts, costs of our products and results of our “cost-out” initiatives, and operating cash use. These are discussed throughout the ‘Results of Operations’ and ‘Liquidity and Capital Resources’ sections.
Comparison of Three Months Ended January 31, 2014 and 2013
Revenues and Costs of revenues
Our revenues and cost of revenues for the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
Three Months Ended January 31, | Change | ||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 44,434 | $ | 36,358 | $ | 8,076 | 22 | ||||||||||||
Total costs of revenues | $ | 42,235 | $ | 38,669 | $ | 3,566 | 9 | ||||||||||||
Gross profit (loss) | $ | 2,199 | $ | (2,311 | ) | $ | 4,510 | 195 | |||||||||||
Gross margin percentage | 4.9 | % | (6.4 | )% |
Total revenues for the three months ended January 31, 2014 increased $8.1 million, or 22 percent, to $44.4 million from $36.4 million during the same period last year. Total cost of revenues for the three months ended January 31, 2014 increased by $3.6 million, or 9 percent, to $42.2 million from $38.7 million during the same period last year. A discussion of the changes in product sales and service and license revenues and advanced technologies contract revenues follows.
Refer to Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates for more information on revenue and cost of revenue presentation and classification.
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Product sales and service and license revenues
Our product sales and service and license revenues and cost of revenues for the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
Three Months Ended January 31 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||
Product sales | $ | 34,460 | $ | 29,065 | $ | 5,395 | 19 | ||||||||||||
Service agreements and license revenues | 4,960 | 4,969 | (9 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 39,420 | $ | 34,034 | $ | 5,386 | 16 | ||||||||||||
Costs of Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||
Product sales | $ | 33,028 | $ | 29,944 | $ | 3,084 | 10 | ||||||||||||
Service agreements and license revenues | 4,157 | 6,485 | (2,328 | ) | (36 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total | $ | 37,185 | $ | 36,429 | $ | 756 | 2 | ||||||||||||
Gross profit (loss): | |||||||||||||||||||
Gross profit (loss) from product sales | $ | 1,432 | $ | (879 | ) | $ | 2,311 | 263 | |||||||||||
Gross profit (loss) from service agreements and license revenues | 803 | (1,516 | ) | 2,319 | 153 | ||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 2,235 | $ | (2,395 | ) | $ | 4,630 | 193 | |||||||||||
Product sales gross margin percentage | 4.2 | % | (3.0 | )% | |||||||||||||||
Service agreement and license revenues gross margin percentage | 16.2 | % | (30.5 | )% |
Product sales and service agreements and license revenues increased $5.4 million, or 16 percent, in the three months ended January 31, 2014 to $39.4 million compared to $34.0 million for the prior year period. Revenue from additional module and spare part orders was the primary cause for the year-over-year increase in product sales, partially offset by lower fuel cell kit sales of $5.3 million. Cost of product sales and service and license revenues increased $0.8 million, or 2 percent for the three months ended January 31, 2014 to $37.2 million compared to $36.4 million in the prior year period. Margins in the first quarter of 2014 were favorably impacted by continuing improvement in the Service business with the expanding installed base and associated service agreements providing scale to offset fixed overhead costs for the Services infrastructure.
Gross profit for product sales and service agreements and license revenues for the three months ended January 31, 2014 is $2.2 million, compared to a gross loss of $2.4 million for the three months ended January 31, 2013.
Product Sales and Cost of Sales
Product sales for the three months ended January 31, 2014 included $18.4 million from the construction of power plants and sale of fuel cell kits and $16.1 million of revenue primarily related to power plant component sales and site engineering and construction services, including 3.4 megawatts of fuel cell module sales to POSCO Energy that is in addition to the existing multi-year 122 megawatt fuel cell kit order. This compared to product sales for the three months of January 31, 2013 which included $25.1 million from the construction of power plants and sale of fuel cell kits and $4.0 million of revenue primarily from power plant component sales and site engineering and construction services.
Cost of product sales increased $3.1 million for the three months ended January 31, 2014 to $33.0 million, compared to $29.9 million in the same period the prior year. Gross profit increased $2.3 million to a gross profit of $1.4 million for the three months ended January 31, 2014 compared to a gross loss of $0.9 million for the three months ended January 31, 2013 due to fuel cell module and spare parts sales, favorable manufacturing variances and lower cost of quality expenses.
The annualized production run-rate at the Torrington, Connecticut production facility was 70MW for the first quarter of 2014.
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Service Agreements and License Revenues and Cost of Revenues
Revenues for the three months ended January 31, 2014 from service agreements and license fee and royalty agreements totaled $5.0 million which remains unchanged from the prior fiscal year. Service revenue from scheduled module exchanges is recognized at the time of the module exchange activity whereas the remaining portion of service revenue from service agreements is recognized ratably over the life of the service contract. Service agreements and license cost of revenues decreased to $4.2 million from $6.5 million for the prior year period. Gross profit on service agreements and license agreements was $0.8 million for the three months ended January 31, 2014, compared to gross loss of $1.5 million for the comparable prior year period. The gross loss from the prior year period is a result of the higher costs under SA's required due to an assembly quality issue which was outside of the warranty period and therefore was classified as service agreement cost of revenues under SA's. The historical loss on service agreements has been due to high maintenance, module exchange and other costs on older and sub-MW product designs. As profitable megawatt-class service agreements are executed and as early generation sub-megawatt products are retired or become a smaller overall percentage of the installed fleet, we expect the margins on service agreements to increase.
Cost of product sales includes costs to design, engineer, manufacture and ship our power plants and power plant components to customers, site engineering and construction costs where we are responsible for power plant system installation, costs for assembly and conditioning equipment sold to POSCO Energy, warranty expense, liquidated damages and inventory excess and obsolescence charges. Cost of service agreements include maintenance and module replacement costs to service power plants for customers with service agreements, operating costs for our units under PPA's and performance guarantee and SA reserve charges.
Advanced technologies contracts
Advanced technologies contracts revenue and related costs for the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
Three Months Ended January 31, | Change | ||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||
Advanced technologies contracts revenues | $ | 5,014 | 2,324 | $ | 2,690 | 116 | |||||||||||||
Cost of advanced technologies contracts | 5,050 | 2,240 | 2,810 | 125 | |||||||||||||||
Gross (loss) profit | $ | (36 | ) | $ | 84 | $ | (120 | ) | (143 | ) |
Advanced technologies contracts revenue for the three months ended January 31, 2014 was $5.0 million, which increased $2.7 million when compared to $2.3 million of revenue for the three months ended January 31, 2013. The increase is primarily attributable to increased activity for the solid oxide fuel cell development under the U.S. Department of Energy Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA) program as well as revenue recognized under a data center project. Cost of advanced technologies contracts increased $2.8 million to $5.1 million for the three months ended January 31, 2014, compared to $2.2 million for the same period in the prior year. The gross loss from advanced technology contracts for the three months ended January 31, 2014 was $0.04 million compared to gross profit of $0.08 million for the three months ended January 31, 2013. Our Advanced technology backlog includes contracts with the U.S. government subject to cost share requirements. As a result, profitability will vary from period to period.
We contract with a concentrated number of customers for the sale of our products and for advanced technology contracts.
There can be no assurance that we will continue to achieve historical levels of sales of our products to our largest customers. Even though our customer base is expected to increase and our revenue streams to diversify, a substantial portion of net revenues could continue to depend on sales to a concentrated number of customers. Our agreements with these customers may be canceled if we fail to meet certain product specifications or materially breach the agreements, and our customers may seek to renegotiate the terms of current agreements or renewals. The loss of or reduction in sales to one or more of our larger customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Administrative and selling expenses
Administrative and selling expenses were $4.9 million for the three months ended January 31, 2014 compared to $5.4 million during the three months ended January 31, 2013. Administrative and selling expenses decreased as a result of higher prior year period business development expenditures.
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Research and development expenses
Research and development expenses increased to $4.9 million during the three months ended January 31, 2014 compared to $3.3 million of expense incurred in the same period in 2013. Our internal research and development continues to be focused on initiatives that have near term product implementation potential and product cost reduction opportunities. The increase in research and development expenses resulted from localization of megawatt-scale power plants for the European market as well as continued initiatives to consolidate aspects of the balance of plant functions and integration of heat recovery equipment for large scale multi-megawatt installations to further reduce system costs.
Loss from operations
Loss from operations for the three months ended January 31, 2014 was $7.6 million compared to a loss of $11.1 million for the same period in 2013. The decrease was a result of favorable gross profit from product sales and service agreements and license revenue and lower administrative and selling expenses, partially offset by higher research and development expenses.
Interest expense
Interest expense for the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013 was $1.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively. Interest expense increased as a result of interest on the 8.0% Unsecured Convertible Debt issued in June 2013. Interest expense for both periods includes interest for the amortization of the redeemable preferred stock of subsidiary discount of $0.5 million.
Other income (expense), net
Other income (expense), net, was expense of $1.8 million for the three month period ended January 31, 2014 compared to expense of $0.3 million for the same period in 2013. The current period expense recorded includes a charge of $2.7 million related to the make-whole payment upon conversion of $15 million of principal of the 8.0% Convertible Notes. The Company primarily used common stock to settle this make-whole obligation. Offsetting the charge was a favorable non-cash fair value adjustment of certain embedded derivatives of $0.3 million for a net impact of $2.4 million. In addition, the Company recognized foreign exchange gains and other income of $0.6 million.
Provision for income taxes
We have not paid federal or state income taxes in several years due to our history of net operating losses (NOL), although we have paid foreign income and withholding taxes in South Korea. For the three months ended January 31, 2014 our provision for income taxes was $0.1 million. We have begun manufacturing products that are gross margin profitable on a per unit basis; however, we cannot estimate when production volumes will be sufficient to generate taxable domestic income. Accordingly, no tax benefit has been recognized for net operating losses or other deferred tax assets as significant uncertainty exists surrounding the recoverability of these deferred tax assets.
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
The net loss attributed to the noncontrolling interest for the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013 was $0.2 million.
Preferred Stock dividends
Dividends recorded on the Series B Preferred Stock were $0.8 million in each of the three month periods of January 31, 2014, and 2013.
Net loss attributable to common shareholders and loss per common share
Net loss attributable to common shareholders represents the net loss for the period less the net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, less the preferred stock dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock. For the three month periods ended January 31, 2014 and 2013, net loss attributable to common shareholders was $11.4 million and $12.5 million, respectively, and loss per common share was $0.06 and $0.07, respectively.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company's future liquidity will be dependent on obtaining the order volumes and cost reductions necessary to achieve profitable operations. The Company has consistently demonstrated positive gross margin results at production volumes in excess of 50 MW on an annualized basis. Increasing annual order volume and reduced product costs are expected to further increase margins and improve operating cash flows. We expect positive cash flows and net income profitability at an annual production rate of 80 - 90 MW. EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) breakeven is expected with annual production volumes between 70 to 80 MW. We expect positive cash flows and net income profitability at an annual production rate of 80 - 90 MW. Actual results will depend on product mix (domestic vs. international), volume, future service costs and market pricing. Sales of complete power plants in the U.S. and Europe generally carry higher margins then sales of kits to POSCO Energy, thus the mix of actual backlog and production can impact the Company’s profitability targets.
The production capacity at our manufacturing facility is approximately 100 MW with full utilization under its current configuration. We expect to continue to gain operating efficiencies and cost reductions at this run-rate during fiscal year 2014. The Company is targeting positive quarterly cash flow as measured by EBITDA by the end of fiscal 2014 based on anticipated order flow and continued cost reductions.
Our current backlog, which includes fuel cell kits to be delivered to POSCO Energy under a multi-year order, combined with scheduled fuel cell module exchanges for existing power plant installations that are currently under service agreements, is expected to provide a base level of production of approximately 50 MW per year through 2016 at the Company's production facility in Torrington, Connecticut. The Company targets adding approximately 30-40 MW of incremental backlog annually to utilize our available capacity. In addition to our existing pipeline, we are actively developing opportunities directly and through our business partners. As order flow dictates, the Company will adjust production to meet demand. Ramping from 70 to 90 MW consists of hiring direct labor and increasing volume to our supply chain. A ramp in this range would not require material incremental capital expenditures.
The Cell Technology Transfer Agreement we entered into on October 31, 2012 provides POSCO Energy with the technology to manufacture Direct FuelCell power plants in South Korea and the exclusive market access to sell power plants throughout Asia. This agreement has multiple benefits for both FuelCell Energy and POSCO Energy. POSCO Energy is currently constructing a cell manufacturing facility in South Korea that is physically sized for 200 MW of annual production and is expected to be initially configured for 100 MW annual production. Production in South Korea will improve responsiveness for meeting demand under the Renewable Portfolio Standard. The Company will avoid capital investment for Asian market development and will benefit from market expansion by receiving a royalty payment from POSCO Energy for each power plant sold over a 15 year term with options to extend. Establishing a second source of supply for fuel cell modules mitigates a risk factor for prospective customers evaluating long term fuel cell power plant projects that include scheduled module exchanges. Increased production volume, whether in the USA or South Korea, will reduce the cost of DFC plants, further spurring market adoption.
If demand develops beyond the combined capacity of the Company and POSCO Energy, we have the ability to further expand production capacity at our Torrington facility to approximately 200 MW assuming three shift operations six days a week. This expansion would require the addition of equipment (e.g. furnaces, tape casting and other equipment) to increase the capacity of certain manufacturing operations. Due to the economies of scale and equipment required, we believe it is more cost effective to add capacity in large blocks. We estimate that an expansion of the Company's Torrington facility to 200 MW would require additional capital investments of $30 to $40 million, although this expansion may occur in stages depending on the level of market demand. Management periodically reviews and updates the expansion plans as our order pipeline evolves.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013, the Company entered into a revised Master Service Agreement with POSCO Energy, its South Korean partner, whereby POSCO Energy assumes more responsibility for servicing installations in Asia that utilize power plants manufactured by POSCO Energy. The Company will perform engineering and support services for each unit in the installed fleet and receive quarterly fees as well as a royalty on each scheduled fuel cell module replacement under service agreements where the module is built by POSCO Energy and installed at any plant in Asia.
In addition to cash flows from operations, we may also pursue raising capital through a combination of; (i) sales of equity or strategic investments, (ii) debt financing (with improving operating results as the business grows, the Company expects to have access to the debt markets to finance working capital and capital expenditures) and (iii) potential local or state Government loans or grants in return for manufacturing job creation and retention. We currently employ over 500 employees in the State of Connecticut and over 600 on a global basis. The timing and size of any financing will depend on multiple factors including market conditions, future order flow and the need to adjust production capacity. If we are unable to raise additional capital, our growth potential may be adversely affected and we may have to modify our plans. We anticipate that our existing capital resources, together with anticipated orders, revenues and cash flows, will be adequate to satisfy our financial requirements and agreements through at least the next twelve months.
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Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents totaled $104.6 million as of January 31, 2014 compared to $77.7 million as of October 31, 2013. As of January 31, 2014, restricted cash and cash equivalents was $26.1 million, of which $6.2 million was classified as current and $19.9 million was classified as long-term compared to $10.0 million total restricted cash and cash equivalents as of October 31, 2013, of which $5.1 million was classified as current and $4.9 million was classified as long-term. The key components of our cash inflows and outflows were as follows:
Operating Activities – Net cash used in operating activities was $5.1 million during the first three months of 2014 compared to $30.9 million net cash provided by operating activities during the first three months of 2013. Net cash used in operating activities for the first three months of 2014 is a result of a decrease in accrued liabilities of $11.2 million partially comprised of three replacement modules having been provided to POSCO Energy under the terms of the Master Service Agreement with POSCO Energy and a decrease in accounts payable of $6.1 million resulting from the timing of vendor payments. These were partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable of $15.2 million and a decrease in inventories of $4.3 million. Net cash provided by operating activities for the first three month period of 2013 is a result of a decrease in accounts receivable of $17.0 million from customer collections, a decrease in inventories of $3.2 million and an increase in deferred revenues of $27.4 million relating to the timing of customer milestone billings. These were partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $6.4 million.
Investing Activities – Net cash used in investing activities was $0.8 million during the first three months of 2014 compared to net cash used in investing activities of $1.0 million during the first three months of 2013. The net cash used in investing activities for the first three months of 2014 related to capital expenditures. The net cash used in investing activities for the first three months of 2013 related to capital expenditures of $1.4 million, partially offset by cash acquired from the Versa acquisition of $0.4 million.
Financing Activities – Net cash provided by financing activities was $16.7 million during the first three months of 2014 compared to net cash used in financing activities of $6.2 million in the prior year period. The net cash provided by financing activities during the first three months of 2014 was related to the public offering of 25.3 million shares of common stock for net proceeds of $29.5 million, proceeds from the sale of common stock through the dribble plan of $4.2 million offset by an increase in restricted cash of $16.1 million and the payment of preferred dividends and return of capital of $1.1 million. The net cash used in financing activities during the first three months of 2013 was for an increase in restricted cash of $5.0 million and also for the payment of preferred dividends and return of capital of $1.1 million.
Sources and Uses of Cash and Investments
We continue to invest in new product and market development and, as such, we are not currently generating positive cash flow from our operations. Our operations are funded primarily through cash generated from product sales and research and development contracts, license fee and royalty income, and sales of equity securities and hybrid debt instruments. In order to consistently produce positive cash flow from operations, we need to increase order flow to support higher production levels, leading to lower costs. Please see our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013 for further details.
Commitments and Significant Contractual Obligations
A summary of our significant future commitments and contractual obligations as of January 31, 2014 and the related payments by fiscal year are as follows:
Payments Due by Period | |||||||||||||||||||
Total | Less than 1 Year | 1 – 3 Years | 3 – 5 Years | More than 5 Years | |||||||||||||||
Purchase commitments (1) | $ | 78,183 | $ | 72,989 | $ | 5,061 | $ | 49 | $ | 84 | |||||||||
Series 1 Preferred obligation (2) | 11,523 | 1,118 | 2,236 | 2,236 | 5,933 | ||||||||||||||
Term loans (principal and interest) | 12,989 | 631 | 1,342 | 3,322 | 7,694 | ||||||||||||||
Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes (3) | 23,000 | — | — | 23,000 | — | ||||||||||||||
Capital and operating lease commitments (4) | 4,901 | 2,271 | 2,143 | 487 | — | ||||||||||||||
Revolving Credit Facility (5) | 6,500 | 6,500 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Series B Preferred dividends payable (6) | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Totals | $ | 137,096 | $ | 83,509 | $ | 10,782 | $ | 29,094 | $ | 13,711 |
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(1) | Purchase commitments with suppliers for materials, supplies and services incurred in the normal course of business. |
(2) | The terms of the Class A Cumulative Redeemable Exchangeable Preferred Share Agreement (the “Series 1 Preferred Share Agreement”) require payments of (i) an annual amount of Cdn$500,000 for dividends and (ii) an amount of Cdn. $750,000 as return of capital payments payable in cash. These payments will end on December 31, 2020. Dividends accrue at a 1.25% quarterly rate on the unpaid principal balance, and additional dividends will accrue on the cumulative unpaid dividends at a rate of 1.25% per quarter, compounded quarterly. On December 31, 2020 the amount of all accrued and unpaid dividends on the Class A Preferred Shares of Cdn. $21.1 million and the balance of the principal redemption price of Cdn. $4.4 million will be due to the holders of the Series 1 preferred shares. The Company has the option of making dividend payments in the form of common stock or cash under terms outlined in the preferred share agreement. For purposes of preparing the above table, the final balance of accrued and unpaid dividends due December 31, 2020 of Cdn. $21.1 million is assumed to be paid in the form of common stock and not included in this table. |
(3) | On June 25, 2013, the Company issued, at par amount, 8.0% Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes ("Notes") with an aggregate principal amount of $38.0 million. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 8.0% per annum. Interest on the Notes is payable in cash or subject to certain limitations, in common stock semi-annually in arrears on December 15 and June 15 of each year, beginning December 15, 2013. The Notes mature on June 15, 2018. The Notes are convertible, upon the Note holder's option, into shares of the Company's common stock initially at a conversion rate of 645.1613 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $1.55 per share) plus a "make-whole" amount, as applicable. The interest payments have been excluded from the table above since the payments may, at the Company's option, be paid in stock. During the first quarter of 2014, certain investors elected to convert a total of $15.0 million principal of $38.0 million in aggregate principal of the 8.0% Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes. The Company issued a total of 12,048,179 shares of common stock for the Notes conversion and to satisfy the "make-whole" payment associated with the conversions. During the second quarter of 2014, certain investors elected to convert a total of $22.0 million principal and issued a total of 17.5 million shares of common stock. The remaining principal balance of the Notes is $1.0 million. Refer to subsequent event Note 11 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information. |
(4) | Future minimum lease payments on capital and operating leases. |
(5) | The amount represents the amount outstanding as of January 31, 2014 on an $8.0 million revolving credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and the Export-Import Bank of the United States. The credit facility is used for working capital to finance the manufacture and production and subsequent export sale of the Company’s products or services. The agreement has a one year term with renewal provisions and the current expiration date is April 2, 2014. The outstanding principal balance of the facility bears interest, at the option of the Company of either the one-month LIBOR plus 1.5 percent or the prime rate of JP Morgan Chase. The facility is secured by certain working capital assets and general intangibles, up to the amount of the outstanding facility balance. |
(6) | We pay $3.2 million in annual dividends on our Series B Preferred Stock. The $3.2 million annual dividend payment has not been included in this table as we cannot reasonably determine the period when or if we will be able to convert the Series B Preferred Stock into shares of our common stock. We may, at our option, convert these shares into the number of shares of our common stock that are issuable at the then prevailing conversion rate if the closing price of our common stock exceeds 150 percent of the then prevailing conversion price ($11.75) for 20 trading days during any consecutive 30 trading day period. |
In April 2008, we entered into a 10-year loan agreement with the Connecticut Development Authority allowing for a maximum amount borrowed of $4.0 million. At January 31, 2014, we had an outstanding balance of $3.2 million on this loan. The interest rate is 5% and the loan is collateralized by the assets procured under this loan as well as $4.0 million of additional machinery and equipment. Repayment terms require interest and principal payments through May 2018.
On March 5, 2013 the Company closed on a long-term loan agreement with the Connecticut Clean Energy and Finance Investment Authority (CEFIA) totaling $5.9 million in support of the Bridgeport fuel cell project. The loan agreement carries an interest rate of 5.0% and principal repayments will commence on the eighth anniversary of the project's provisional acceptance date in December 2021. Outstanding amounts are secured by future cash flows from the Bridgeport fuel cell park contracts. The outstanding balance on the CEFIA Note as of January 31, 2014 was $6.1 million.
We have pledged approximately $26.1 million of our cash and cash equivalents as collateral and letters of credit for certain banking requirements and contracts. As of January 31, 2014, outstanding letters of credit totaled $8.5 million. These expire on various dates through April 2019. Under the terms of certain contracts, the Company will provide performance security for future contractual obligations. Under the terms of the Bridgeport Equipment and Installation contract with Dominion, the provisional acceptance payment to the Company totaling $15.0 million has been placed in a Grantor's Trust account to secure certain FCE obligations under the 15-year Service agreement and has been reflected as long-term restricted cash. The restrictions on the $15.0 million will be removed upon completion of the final module exchange at the Bridgeport fuel cell park facility under terms of the services agreement.
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As of October 31, 2013, we have uncertain tax positions aggregating $15.7 million and have reduced our net operating loss carryforwards by this amount. Because of the level of net operating losses and valuation allowances, unrecognized tax benefits, even if not resolved in our favor, would not result in any cash payment or obligation and therefore have not been included in the contractual obligation table above.
In addition to the commitments listed in the table above, we have the following outstanding obligations:
Power purchase agreements
In California, we have 1.5 MW of power plant installations under power purchase agreements. As owner of the power plants, we are responsible for all operating costs necessary to maintain, monitor and repair the power plants. Under certain agreements, we are also responsible for procuring fuel to run the power plants. These agreements were executed when we first began commercializing our technology.
Service and warranty agreements
We warranty our products for a specific period of time against manufacturing or performance defects. Our standard warranty period is generally 15 months after shipment or 12 months after acceptance of the product. We have agreed to warranty kits and components for 21 months from the date of shipment due to the additional shipping and customer manufacture time required. In addition to the standard product warranty, we have contracted with certain customers to provide services to ensure the power plants meet minimum operating levels for terms ranging from one to 20 years. Pricing for service contracts is based upon estimates of future costs, which could be materially different from actual expenses. Also see Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates for additional details.
Research and development cost-share contracts (Advanced technologies contracts)
We have contracted with various customers (primarily government agencies) to conduct research and development as either a prime contractor or sub-contractor under multi-year, cost-reimbursement and/or cost-share type contracts or cooperative agreements. Cost-share terms require that participating contractors share the total cost of the project based on an agreed upon ratio. In many cases, we are reimbursed only a portion of the costs incurred or to be incurred on the contract. While Advanced technology contracts may extend for many years, funding is often provided incrementally on a year-by-year basis if contract terms are met and the funds are authorized. As of January 31, 2014, Advanced technologies contracts backlog totaled $17.4 million, of which $12.3 million is funded. Should funding be delayed or if business initiatives change, we may choose to devote resources to other activities, including internally funded research and development.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, revenue recognition, contract loss reserves, excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventories, product warranty costs, reserves on SA's, share-based compensation expense, allowance for doubtful accounts, depreciation and amortization, impairment of goodwill and in-process research and development, impairment of long-lived assets, purchase accounting, income taxes and contingencies. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are determined to be necessary.
Our critical accounting policies are those that are both most important to our financial condition and results of operations and require the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments on the part of management in their application, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Our accounting policies are set-forth below.
Revenue Recognition
We earn revenue from (i) the sale and installation of fuel cell power plants (ii) the sale of component part kits and spare parts to customers, (iii) site engineering and construction services, (iv) providing services under SA's, (v) the sale of electricity under PPA's , (vi) license fees and royalty income from manufacturing and technology transfer agreements, and (vii) customer-sponsored advanced technology projects.
The Company periodically enters into arrangements with customers that involve multiple elements of the above items. We assess such contracts to evaluate whether there are multiple deliverables, and whether the consideration under the arrangement is being appropriately allocated to each of the deliverables.
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Our revenue is primarily generated from customers located throughout the U.S. and Asia and from agencies of the U.S. Government. Revenue from product and kit sales, construction services and component part revenue is recorded as product sales in the consolidated statements of operations. Revenue from SA's, PPA's, license and royalty revenue and engineering services revenue is recorded as service and license revenues. Revenue from customer-sponsored advanced technology research and development projects is recorded as advanced technologies contract revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.
For customer contracts for complete DFC Power Plants which the Company has adequate cost history and estimating experience, and that management believes it can reasonably estimate total contract costs, revenue is recognized under the percentage of completion method of accounting. The use of percentage of completion accounting requires significant judgment relative to estimating total contract costs, including assumptions relative to the length of time to complete the contract, the nature and complexity of the work to be performed, anticipated increases in wages and prices for subcontractor services and materials, and the availability of subcontractor services and materials. Our estimates are based upon the professional knowledge and experience of our engineers, program managers and other personnel, who review each long-term contract on a quarterly basis to assess the contract's schedule, performance, technical matters and estimated cost at completion. Changes in estimates are applied retrospectively and when adjustments in estimated contract costs are identified, such revisions may result in current period adjustments to operations applicable to performance in prior periods. Revenues are recognized based on the percentage of the contract value that incurred costs to date bear to estimated total contract costs, after giving effect to estimates of costs to complete based on most recent information. For customer contracts for new or significantly customized products, where management does not believe it has the ability to reasonably estimate total contract costs, revenue is recognized using the completed contract method and therefore all revenue and costs for the contract are deferred and not recognized until installation and acceptance of the power plant is complete. For all types of contracts, we recognize anticipated contract losses as soon as they become known and estimable. We have recorded an estimated contract loss reserve of $0.03 million and $0.09 million as of January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively. Actual results could vary from initial estimates and reserve estimates will be updated as conditions change.
Revenue from component part kits and spare parts sales is recognized upon shipment or title transfer under the terms of the customer contract. Terms for certain contracts provide for a transfer of title and risk of loss to our customers at our factory locations upon completion of our contractual requirement to produce products and prepare the products for shipment. A shipment in place may occur in the event that the customer is unready to take delivery of the products on the contractually specified delivery dates.
Site engineering and construction services revenue is recognized on a percentage of completion basis as costs are incurred.
Revenue from service agreement contracts is generally recorded ratably over the term of the SA, as our performance of routine monitoring and maintenance under these SA's are generally expected to be incurred on a straight-line basis. For SA's where we expect to have a module replacement at some point during the term (generally SA's in excess of five years), the costs of performance are not expected to be incurred on a straight-line basis, and therefore, a portion of the initial contract value related to the module replacement is deferred and is recognized upon such module replacement event.
Under PPA's, revenue from the sale of electricity is recognized as electricity is provided to the customer.
The Company receives license fees and royalty income from POSCO Energy as a result of manufacturing and technology transfer agreements entered into in 2007, 2009 and 2012. The Cell Technology Transfer Agreement we entered into on October 31, 2012 provides POSCO Energy with the technology to manufacture Direct FuelCell power plants in South Korea and the exclusive market access to sell power plants throughout Asia. In conjunction with this agreement we amended the 2010-year manufacturing and distribution agreement with POSCO Energy and the 2009 License Agreement. The 2012 agreement and the amendments contain multiple elements, including the license of technology and market access rights, fuel cell kit product deliverables, as well as professional service deliverables. We have identified these three items as deliverables under the multiple-element arrangement guidance and have evaluated the estimated selling prices to allocate the relative fair value to these deliverables, as vendor-specific objective evidence and third-party evidence was not available. The Company's determination of estimated selling prices involves the consideration of several factors based on the specific facts and circumstances of each arrangement. Specifically, the Company considers the cost to produce the tangible product and cost of professional service deliverables, the anticipated margin on those deliverables, prices charged when those deliverables are sold on a stand-alone basis in limited sales, and the Company's ongoing pricing strategy and practices used to negotiate and price overall bundled product, service and license arrangements. We are recognizing the consideration allocated to the license of technology and market access rights as revenue over the 15 year license term on a straight-line basis, and will recognize the amounts allocated to the kit deliverables and professional service deliverables when such items are delivered to POSCO Energy. We have also determined that based on the utility to the customer of the fully developed technology that was licensed in the Cell Technology Transfer Agreement, there is stand-alone value for this deliverable.
Revenue from funded Advanced technology contracts is recognized as direct costs are incurred plus allowable overhead less cost share requirements, if any. Revenue from customer funded advanced technology programs are generally multi-year, cost-reimbursement and/or cost-shared type contracts or cooperative agreements. We are reimbursed for reasonable and allocable costs
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up to the reimbursement limits set by the contract or cooperative agreement, and on certain contracts we are reimbursed only a portion of the costs incurred. While advanced technology contracts may extend for many years, funding is often provided incrementally on a year-by-year basis if contract terms are met and funds are authorized.
Inventories and Advance Payments to Vendors
Inventories consist principally of raw materials and work-in-process. In certain circumstances, we will make advance payments to vendors for future inventory deliveries. These advance payments are recorded as other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
Inventories are reviewed to determine if valuation adjustments are required for obsolescence (excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory). This review includes analyzing inventory levels of individual parts considering the current design of our products and production requirements as well as the expected inventory needs for maintenance on installed power plants.
Warranty and Service Expense Recognition
We warranty our products for a specific period of time against manufacturing or performance defects. Our warranty is limited to a term generally 15 months after shipment or 12 months after acceptance of our products, except for fuel cell kits. We have agreed to warranty fuel cell kits and components for 21 months from the date of shipment due to the additional shipping and customer manufacture time required. We reserve for estimated future warranty costs based on historical experience. We also provide for a specific reserve if there is a known issue requiring repair during the warranty period. Estimates used to record warranty reserves are updated as we gain further operating experience. As of January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, the warranty reserve, which is classified in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet, totaled $1.0 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
In addition to the standard product warranty, we have entered into service agreement contracts with certain customers to provide monitoring, maintenance and repair services for fuel cell power plants. Under the terms of our service agreement, the power plant must meet a minimum operating output during the term. If minimum output falls below the contract requirement, we may be subject to performance penalties or may be required to repair and/or replace the customer's fuel cell stack. The Company has provided for a reserve for performance guarantees of $0.9 million and $0.5 million as of January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively.
The Company provides for reserves on all SA's when the estimated cost of future stack replacements and maintenance and monitoring activities exceed the remaining contract value. Reserve estimates for future costs on SA's are determined by a number of factors including the estimated remaining life of the module, used replacement modules available, our limit of liability on SA's and future operating plans for the power plant. Our reserve estimates are performed on a contract by contract basis and include cost assumptions based on what we anticipate the service requirements will be to fulfill obligations for each contract. As of January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, our reserve on service agreement contracts totaled $2.2 million and $3.7 million, respectively.
At the end of our SA's, customers are expected to either renew the SA or, based on the Company's rights to title for the module, the module will be returned to the Company as the plant is no longer being monitored or having routine service performed. As of January 31, 2014, the asset related to the residual value of replacement modules in power plants under SA's was $4.1 million compared to $2.9 million as of October 31, 2013. As of January 31, 2014, accumulated depreciation on stack assets, which is recorded as cost of service agreement revenues, totaled approximately $2.4 million compared to $2.1 million at October 31, 2013.
During fiscal year 2011, the Company committed to a repair and upgrade program for a select group of 1.2 megawatt (MW) fuel cell modules produced between 2007 and early 2009. As of January 31, 2014, the accrued obligation balance related to this item was $0.4 million compared to $7.3 million as of October 31, 2013. The decrease in the reserve is a result of modules having been supplied to POSCO Energy during the quarter relating to the terms of the Master Service Agreement with POSCO Energy.
The Company has completed the repair activities related to the program. The remaining accrual relates to incremental obligations resulting from the Master Service Agreement
Share-Based Compensation
We account for restricted stock awards (RSAs) and restricted stock units (RSUs) based on the closing market price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. We account for stock options awarded to employees and non-employee directors under the fair value method of accounting using the Black-Scholes valuation model to estimate fair value at the grant date. The model requires us to make estimates and assumptions regarding the expected life of the option, the risk-free interest rate, the expected volatility of our common stock price and the expected dividend yield. The fair value of equity awards is amortized to expense over the vesting period, which is generally four years. Share-based compensation expense was $0.6 million and $0.5 million for the three month period ended January 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
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Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards, research and development credit carryforwards, and differences between financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates and laws expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets if it is unlikely that some or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized.
We apply the guidance regarding how a company should recognize, measure, present, and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that the Company has taken or expects to take on a tax return (including a decision whether to file or not file a return in a particular jurisdiction). The Company's financial statements reflect expected future tax consequences of such positions presuming the taxing authorities' full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts.
The evaluation of a tax position is a two-step process. The first step is recognition: the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The second step is measurement: a tax position that meets the “more likely than not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
Certain transactions involving the Company's beneficial ownership occurred in fiscal 2013 and prior years, which could have resulted in a stock ownership change for purposes of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. We have completed a detailed Section 382 study in fiscal 2013 to determine if any of our NOL and credit carryovers will be subject to limitation. Based on that study, we have determined that there was no ownership change as of the end of our 2013 fiscal year under Section 382.
ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE UPDATE
Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance
None.
Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Effective
None.
Item 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
Interest Rate Exposure
We typically invest in U.S. treasury securities with maturities ranging from less than three months to one year or more. We typically hold these investments until maturity and accordingly, these investments are carried at cost and not subject to mark-to-market accounting. At January 31, 2014, we had no U.S. treasury investments. Cash is invested overnight with high credit quality financial institutions and therefore we are not exposed to market risk on our cash holdings from changing interest rates. Based on our overall interest rate exposure at January 31, 2014, including all interest rate sensitive instruments, a change in interest rates of one percent would not have a material impact on our results of operations.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
As of January 31, 2014, approximately three percent of our total cash and cash equivalents were in currencies other than U.S. dollars (primarily the Euro, Canadian dollars and South Korean Won) and we have no plans of repatriation. We make purchases from certain vendors in currencies other than U.S. dollars. Although we have not experienced significant foreign exchange rate losses to date, we may in the future, especially to the extent that we do not engage in currency hedging activities. The economic impact of currency exchange rate movements on our operating results is complex because such changes are often linked to variability
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in real growth, inflation, interest rates, governmental actions and other factors. These changes, if material, may cause us to adjust our financing and operating strategies.
Derivative Fair Value Exposure
Series 1 Preferred Stock
The conversion feature and the variable dividend obligation of our Series 1 Preferred shares are embedded derivatives that require bifurcation from the host contract. The aggregate fair value of these derivatives included within long-term debt and other liabilities as of January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013 was $0.7 million. The fair value was based on valuation models using various assumptions including historical stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate and a credit spread based on the yield indexes of technology high yield bonds, foreign exchange volatility as the Series 1 Preferred security is denominated in Canadian dollars, and the closing price of our common stock. Changes in any of these assumptions would change the underlying fair value with a corresponding charge or credit to operations. However, any changes to these assumptions would not be expected to have a material impact on our results of operations.
Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes
The change in control put redemption feature and the interest make-whole payments upon conversion embedded in the Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes meet the definition of derivatives that each require bifurcation from the host contract. The aggregate fair value of these derivatives at January 31, 2014 is $2.7 million. The fair values were determined using a lattice-based valuation model. In determining the fair value of these bifurcated derivatives, various assumptions were used. Stock price was projected assuming a log-normal distribution. The stock volatility, the interest rate curve, the borrowing cost and credit spread are all assumed to be deterministic. The value is calculated as the difference between the value of the original note and a note with no change of control or make-whole payments upon conversion features. Changes in assumptions would change the underlying fair values with a corresponding charge or credit to operations. Any changes to these assumptions would not be expected to have a material impact on our results of operations.
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Item 4. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures, which are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s periodic SEC reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s periodic SEC reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There has been no change in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
We are involved in legal proceedings, claims and litigation arising out of the ordinary conduct of our business. Although we cannot assure the outcome, management presently believes that the result of such legal proceedings, either individually, or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements, and no material amounts have been accrued in our consolidated financial statements with respect to these matters.
Item 1A. | RISK FACTORS |
There have been no material changes with respect to the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013.
Item 6. | EXHIBITS |
Exhibit No. | Description | |
31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
32.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
101.INS# | XBRL Instance Document | |
101.SCH# | XBRL Schema Document | |
101.CAL# | XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document | |
101.LAB# | XBRL Labels Linkbase Document | |
101.PRE# | XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document | |
101.DEF# | XBRL Definition Linkbase Document |
The exhibits marked with the section symbol (#) are interactive data files. Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files (i) are not deemed filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, are not deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, irrespective of any general incorporation language included in any such filings, and otherwise are not subject to liability under these sections; and (ii) are deemed to have complied with Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (“Rule 405”) and are not subject to liability under the anti-fraud provisions of the Section 17(a)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or under any other liability provision if we have made a good faith attempt to comply with Rule 405 and, after we become aware that the interactive data files fail to comply with Rule 405, we promptly amend the interactive data files.
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized on March 12, 2014.
FUELCELL ENERGY, INC. | ||
(Registrant) | ||
March 12, 2014 | /s/ Michael S. Bishop | |
Date | Michael S. Bishop Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
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INDEX OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. | Description | |
31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
32.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document | |
101.SCH | XBRL Schema Document | |
101.CAL | XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document | |
101.LAB | XBRL Labels Linkbase Document | |
101.PRE | XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document | |
101.DEF | XBRL Definition Linkbase Document |